SHAYETET 13
ISRAELI NAVY SPECIAL FORCES | THE BAT MEN
“Like a bat emerging from darkness, as a blade cuts in silence.”
Unit Overview
Shayetet 13 (Flotilla 13) is the elite naval commando unit of the Israeli Navy and one of the primary Sayeret (reconnaissance) units of the Israel Defense Forces. They are the Israeli equivalent to the U.S. Navy SEALs and British SBS.
Specializing in sea-to-land incursions, maritime counter-terrorism, sabotage of enemy vessels, and maritime intelligence gathering, the unit operates in complete secrecy. Its members are known as “The Bat Men” due to their insignia and nocturnal nature.
Maritime Arsenal
- AK-47 / AKM Assault Rifle (Water Ops)
- Micro Tavor (X95) Bullpup Carbine
- Morena RHIB Fast Attack Craft
- Closed-Circuit Systems Rebreather Diving Gear
Key Operations
Shayetet 13 landed Sayeret Matkal operators on Beirut beaches and destroyed PLO manufacturing facilities during the joint raid.
The seizing of the MV Karine A, a freighter carrying 50 tons of weapons from Iran to the Palestinian Authority in the Red Sea.
Interception of the Klos C vessel in the Red Sea, capturing long-range rockets destined for militants in Gaza.
CLASSIFIED: Training Pipeline
The 20-month training course is divided into five stages: Selection, Basic Infantry, Advanced Infantry, Diving/Swimming, and Specialized Combat. The diving phase includes “Jurrasic Park,” surviving in cold water and harsh currents for extended periods.
The unit is divided into three primary companies: “Raids” (Assault), “Underwater” (Strategic Diving/Sabotage), and “Surface” (Fast Boats). Operators are famous for historically preferring the non-standard AK-47 for its reliability after submersion in saltwater.
